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JOB OPENING: YWCA office manager

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We're hiring!

Job Title: Office Manager

Reports to: Executive Director     

Employment Status: Full time, exempt, flexible hours

Job Purpose: To ensure that all who interact with the YWCA are welcomed and well-served; to ensure that the YWCA front office operates efficiently and in accordance with procedures and policies

Summary of Duties and Accountabilities:

  • Provide professional representation for the YWCA with all who interact with the YWCA and with the community at large
  • Provide administrative leadership for the front office
  • Hire, train, and supervise front office staff
  • Provide leadership that assures quality service for all YWCA clients, customers, supporters and staff
  • Assure that all duties are performed in a timely and efficient manner

Personal Requirements:

  • Ongoing personal commitment to the YWCA Mission of eliminating racism and empowering women
  • Ability to work with diverse populations with an outgoing, friendly, equitable and welcoming manner
  • Ongoing commitment to increasing cultural competency
  • Ability to develop and sustain harmonious working relationships with staff supervisors, program managers, other staff, volunteers, YW supporters, and the general public
  • Ability to interact compassionately with people experiencing trauma
  • Flexible work style that can accommodate work interruptions, including crisis calls and walk-ins
  • Ability to remain calm and composed while getting help for people in crisis
  • Ability to work in a team with other leaders and promote teamwork within department
  • Ability to analyze, read and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures and government regulations
  • Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals
  • Ability to present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, professionals and the general public
  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide, accumulate and evaluate statistics, create and interpret graphs
  • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where limited standardization may exist
  • Strong stress management skills
  • Strong professional and personal boundaries
  • An open and creative mind receptive to new ideas and solutions
  • Ability to project a positive and professional image of the YWCA to the community
  • Ability to perform duties with considerable independence of action and decision-making and to make correct application of policies and procedures
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality
  • Ability to plan, organize, direct and control areas of responsibility
  • Skill and experience in supervising employees
  • Ability to lift 50 pounds, climb stairs, reach, pull, stand, sit and read the computer
  • Ability to use a computer and software appropriate to job
  • Valid Washington driver’s license and current proof of insurance on file at the YWCA
  • Ability to pass a Washington Criminal History check

The ideal candidate will have the ability to communicate in both Spanish and in English and have experience in Latinx culture.  Prior experience in social services, education, or health setting also a plus.

Experience and Training Requirements:

  • Significant knowledge of and experience with Microsoft Office programs, including XL, Word, Outlook
  • Significant knowledge of and experience with electronic databases
  • Knowledge of and experience with accounts receivable
  • Skill and experience in oral and written business communications
  • Experience with electronic communications systems including multi-line phone systems, call forwarding, and cell phones
  • Academic or related course work in office management, administrative and information coordination skills, and public relations
  • Complete DV/SA Core training and commit to ongoing training, once hired
  • Complete training in the area of donor engagement and commit to ongoing training, once hired

Work Area Responsibilities:

  • Responsible for maintenance of YWCA databases, adding and updating information, running reports and analyzing data
  • Integral part of the donor engagement and donor stewardship process
  • Responsible for oversight of YWCA in-kind donation cycle
  • Responsible for all YWCA correspondence
  • Responsible for YWCA filing system
  • Responsible for coordinating all YWCA building communication
  • Responsible for coordination of accounts receivable receipting
  • Participate in ongoing meetings with other staff leaders
  • Help to establish and maintain a welcoming supportive environment YWCA-wide

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person assigned to this job.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.  All or any portion of this job description is subject to elimination, modification, or addition at any time at the discretion of the YWCA.

POSITION DETAILS

Classification: Full-time, exempt, flexible hours

Salary Range: $19.25 – $23 / hour ($3,336 – $3,986 per month)

Benefits*

  • Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage 
  • Employee Share of insurance: 15% via payroll deduction
  • Employer-paid life and disability insurance 
  • YWCA Retirement Fund: 10% employer-paid with 4% match by fund
    • Employee may contribute up to 10%, after tax, in addition 
    • Eligible after working 1,000 hours in two twelve-month periods 
  • Two weeks paid vacation per year
  • 8 hours per month sick leave
  • Two paid personal days per year

What Else: Must have administrative leadership and supervisory skills and experience; commitment to YWCA mission of eliminating racism and empowering women; compassion for people in crisis; excellent computer skills, excellent customer service skills, excellent organizational skills.  The ideal candidate will be bilingual (Spanish/English) and bicultural.

How to Apply:  Online at Indeed.com; Worksource; or email resume and cover letter to Anne-Marie Zell Schwerin Executive Director, aschwerin@ywcaww.org. 

POSITION IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED.  INTERVIEWS WILL START IMMEDIATELY.

It is the policy of the YWCA to consider all applications for employment equally without regard to an applicant’s race, color, religion, disability, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, age, ethnicity, income, veteran status, marital status or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. The YWCA does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications.  All application materials for posted positions will be retained for one year from the date received.

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that YWCA employment practices are equitable, consistently applied, in compliance with Federal and State laws, and in compliance with any contractual obligations set forth by our funding agencies, so long as those obligations are not superseded by said law.

*This description of benefits is in summary only.  

Plan documents are the final determinant of benefit details and eligibility.

Benefits, including employer contribution rates, are subject to budget and contract requirements. 

LiNC curriculum creator retiring

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Longtime educator Deana York has retired as director of the YWCA LiNC program.

Deana based LiNC on the Impact Life Transitions Program she started at Walla Walla Community College in 2004.

Impact was a model program in Washington state. However, many programs lost funding in 2010, including Impact.

The program needed a new home, and SonBridge offered office space and paid for supplies and equipment. Over time, Impact became self-sufficient through grants and donations.

Deana retired from Impact in 2016, leaving it in the hands of her intern. Then Anne-Marie Zell Schwerin called. She wanted a similar program at the YWCA. She and Deana had discussed this before, but now she had funding. She asked Deana to organize a program, determine objectives, and develop curriculum.

Deana York

YWCA was a perfect place to launch the program: The clientele was already in the building, and classes would give YWCA residents significant tools for growth and success.

YWCA named it LiNC, Living in New Circumstances and piloted the program with staff, who gave LiNC an enthusiastic endorsement.
The first group of survivors confirmed the program’s value. They found the course so helpful they wanted to take it again, so some more in-depth courses became LiNC 2.0.

Deana recently heard from a LiNC 2.0 graduate, who said, “[LiNC] has totally changed the direction of my life and allowed me to minister and assist so many others without entangling myself in an unhealthy way.”
“I have so much respect,” Deana said, “for the work these ladies did to improve their lives and their futures.”

Some conquered addictions to alcohol, drugs, or smoking. Many enrolled in college classes. Others have overcome physical disabilities. And some have even faced new setbacks.

“Yet,” Deana added, “each one of these women is aware of the choices she is now making. Their lives have been positively impacted [by LiNC].”

Summit takes on campus violence

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SAFER CAMPUSES, COMMUNITY

YWCA Campus Advocate Jessica Matthews and a team of student interns representing Whitman College, Walla Walla University, and Walla Walla Community College, hosted a tri-college summit on sexual violence, “Building Community Through Justice and Healing,” Oct. 25 as part of Domestic Violence Action Month.

“I was searching for examples of sexual violence programming on other college campuses,” said Jessica, “and was inspired by Ohio University’s 2019 national student leadership summit, ‘It’s On Us’.” She was also searching for Covid-safe programming, something that could be done online.

“And I thought, how about a virtual summit?”

Ever since Jessica started in her position of YWCA Campus Advocate nearly three years ago, she has been striving to create more tri-college
programming in Walla Walla.

“Though my campus work was initially focused primarily on Whitman, I quickly became interested in engaging students, faculty, and staff from our other two nearby campuses in conversations about the painful but important topic of campus sexual violence,” Jessica said. “I recruited a team of seven excellent interns from all three colleges, who each brought unique skills. The team of interns and I collaborated with staff members from each school, holding weekly virtual planning meetings to make the summit a reality.”

IMPORTANT CONVERSATIONS

Events like these, said Helena Zindel, Whitman student and YWCA intern, begin vital conversations regarding the ways in which sexual assault is handled on college campuses.

“These conversations will hopefully lead to tangible actions on the part of colleges and lawmakers,” Helena said, “reforms that ensure that colleges take instances of sexual violence seriously and do not use their institutional power to discredit and disbelieve survivors.”

Whitman student and YWCA intern Mia Reese appreciated that the summit emphasized the importance of healing and the ways that communities and institutions can either ameliorate or exacerbate the trauma experienced by survivors.

Professor Nicole Bedera presented “The Hard Part Isn’t Over: Ensuring Title IX Reporting and Resources Don’t Harm Survivors”

Professor Nicole Bedera’s keynote address shed light on the changes made to Title IX under the leadership of Betsy DeVos and made clear the need for urgent action and support on behalf of the movement to end campus violence.

Breakout sessions after the keynote featured a range of topics, from healing from trauma and loss to a guided discussion on Jon Krakauer’s book, Missoula: Rape and the Justice System in a College Town.


JESSICA’S LEGACY

The summit on campus sexual violence was the first of what Jessica intends to be an annual tri-college event, one she hopes next year can safely be held in person.

Though we are sad that Jessica Matthews will not return in 2021, her efforts engaging students, faculty, staff, and community members can contribute to future safer campuses and a safer community.

“Next year’s Campus Advocate,” said Mary Byrd, YWCA Director of Client Services, “will have strong connections and traditions to build on.”

YWCA Walla Walla receives unexpected gift

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Just in time for the holidays, YWCA Walla Walla was surprised by an unsolicited, unrestricted gift of $1 million from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. She announced her gift in a blog post on Medium Tuesday morning. 

Why us?

Scott described a rigorous review process focused on nonprofits serving populations with “high projected food insecurity, high measures of racial inequity, high local poverty rates, and low access to philanthropic capital.” In the post, Scott called the pandemic “a wrecking ball in the lives of Americans already struggling.”  

YWCA Walla Walla was one of 384 organizations to receive grants from Scott, and one of nine in Washington state. “I was and still am quite stunned by this,” said Executive Director Anne-Marie Zell Schwerin. “Gifts of this size and of this nature are rare.”

Scott, whose 2020 giving has approached $6 billion, said of the selection process, “We do this research and deeper diligence not only to identify organizations with high potential for impact, but also to pave the way for unsolicited and unexpected gifts given with full trust and no strings attached.”

“I believe that the strong and constant support of our community,”, Schwerin said, “is what put our YWCA in a position to even be considered for such an amazing gift.”

Over the next few months, the Board of Directors will dedicate time to make thoughtful decisions on how to invest the dollars to further our mission and work, in alignment with strategic and long-term plans.

Perfect timing

Scott’s gift could not have come at a better time, Schwerin said.

While the YWCA navigates the challenges of COVID 19, and addresses potential threats to federal funding, gender-based violence is on the rise, making safe shelter more critical than ever.

“We are grateful to MacKenzie Scott, not only for her confidence in our organization,” said Schwerin, “but also for the thoughtfulness she brings to her philanthropic decisions. Her gift shows the women we serve that they deserve to live with dignity, free from violence and discrimination.” 

Six ways to build YWCA Hansel & Gretel Holiday Houses

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Last year, and for many, many years previously, YWCA Walla Walla hosted a much-loved holiday tradition, building Hansel & Gretel houses. If you were there, you may remember how much fun the kids (and parents!) had or how many attended. You may recall, especially in recent years, families wearing extremely festive (definitely not “ugly”) Christmas sweaters.

If you’re a little germaphobic, you may also remember a lot of licking of sticky fingers, no matter how vigilant parents and volunteers tried to be with cleaning wipes. Clearly, this isn’t something we could continue with COVID cases on the rise. But we couldn’t completely give up on such a wonderful tradition.

So here are some ways you can build a house with the YWCA and remember all the women and families who need a safe home this holiday season. (Note: The more popular videos may require waiting to skip ads.)

1. Graham cracker houses.

If you’ve made Hansel & Gretel houses before, this process will look familiar. Our volunteers always broke a lot of crackers trying to trim gables, so sometimes we gave up and left the roofs open. But this mom makes it look easy using a serrated knife with short sawing motions to form roof peaks. We always ordered royal icing from the bakery, but these are assembled using a can of dollar store frosting. You can pick up candy there too. We never bought discount graham crackers, though, because we thought they’d break more easily. Let us know if you are successful!

2. Graham crackers, take 2

Here’s a clear tutorial on building sturdy, tidy graham cracker houses. It uses a simple icing of powdered sugar + water that appears to work quite well. The demo doesn’t include decorating techniques, but check out the pretzels in the photo for an idea.

3. Upgrade your house with Pop-Tarts

This may not be the healthiest choice for everyday snacking, but toaster pastries make a cute, quick little house. You’ll need six to make one house, so look for a multipack.

4. Homemade gingerbread for purists

You’ll love Jemma and her tasty tiny houses! You may need to hit up Google for UK-to-US conversion of measurements, or to figure out a substitute for ingredients you can’t find here (golden syrup?), but the size makes a perfect little house for sharing, especially if you don’t want to pile on a lot of candy.

5. One more homemade option

Sally makes her house from scratch with royal icing and buttercream. She also uses some fancy tools. But like she says, there are no rules for making a gingerbread house. Have fun and don’t be afraid to improvise!

6. Buy a kit

Just about every store seems to have a gingerbread house kit, whether you’re shopping online or going inside. Several are in the $10 range, which might cost less than a shopping trip for supplies. Just don’t wait too long to pick yours out…you never know what’s going to run short this year!

Thousands of holiday houses are waiting to be discovered if you go down the Internet rabbit hole. You’ll find everything from raw eggs to hot glue holding houses together and decorations from museum-quality to truly disastrous. Remember: If your house collapses, add a dinosaur!

Have fun!

Share your kid’s house in a comment:

You may benefit from the CARES Act

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The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act provides an opportunity for tax deductions – even if you don’t itemize.


For calendar year 2020, taxpayers who don’t itemize can receive a tax deduction of up to $300 for cash donations to 501(c)(3) nonprofits.
If you do itemize, you may deduct up to 100 percent of your 2020 Adjusted Gross Income.


Furthermore, the limit on corporate donations has been lifted from 10 percent to 25 percent.


Talk to your tax advisor to maximize your CARES Act benefits.

JOB OPENING: Bilingual/Bicultural YWCA Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Advocate

Careers
We're hiring!

JOB TITLE: Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Advocate

REPORTS TO: Director of Client Services

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full time, flexible hours, non-exempt

JOB PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE: Advocate for and provide service to domestic violence and sexual assault clients

SUMMARY OF DUTIES/ACCOUNTABILITIES

  1. Provide professional representation for the YWCA with YWCA clients and the Walla Walla community.
  2. Become trained in sexual assault and domestic violence advocacy and crisis response.
  3. Work with domestic violence and sexual assault clients in determining and accessing needed services.
  4. Provide individual empowerment-focused advocacy and assist with support groups.
  5. Provide on-call crisis services as needed.
  6. Complete intakes and provide a wide range of advocacy services, which may include medical, legal, and personal advocacy, information and referrals, crisis intervention and ongoing support, emergency transportation, and crime victim’s compensation information.
  7. Collaborate with community agencies to meet the needs of YWCA clients.
  8. Remain current in sexual assault and domestic violence training requirements.
  9. Complete all required forms, and maintain paper and digital files in a timely and accurate manner 
  10. Maintain the confidentiality of any information regarding clients, staff, and YWCA business in accordance with laws, contracts, and YWCA policy. 

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS/ABILITIES

  1. Valid Washington driver’s license and current proof of insurance on file at the YWCA 
  2. Ability to pass a Washington Criminal History check
  3. Ability to drive and transport clients in agency vehicle.
  4. Ability to work with diverse populations with an outgoing, friendly, equitable and welcoming manner
  5. Ability to develop harmonious working relationships with all YWCA staff and the general public
  6. Demonstrate an open and creative mind receptive to new ideas and solutions
  7. Ability to give and receive information effectively orally and in writing 
  8. Commitment to increasing cultural competency
  9. Ability to project a positive and professional image of the YWCA to the all communities.
  10. Ability to perform duties and follow policies and procedures 
  11. Ability to plan, organize and complete all tasks with a minimum of supervision
  12. Flexible work style able to accommodate frequent interruptions
  13. Ability to lift 50 pounds, climb stairs, reach, pull, stand, sit and read the computer
  14. Ability to use a computer and software appropriate to job 

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

  • Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job.

The ideal candidate will also have:

  • Spanish language skills as well as English. 
  • Experience with communicating and working well with survivors from a variety of racial, cultural, and economic backgrounds and with various religious beliefs, lifestyles, sexual orientations, age variance, differing abilities.
  • Experience and ease in working with children
  • Experience in maintaining accurate and timely documentation of client files. 
  • Experience working independently with limited supervision.
  • Experience working as part of a team environment.
  • Knowledge of community resources and other partnering agencies.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THIS POSITION
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In performing this position, the employee:

  • May sit for long periods of time in meetings or while using computer.
  • Frequently travels to multiple local locations for off-site meetings. 
  • Uses speech, hearing, and sight in exchanging information with clients, agency staff, employers, representatives of community organizations and other individuals in the community. 
  • Occasionally lifts/carries up to 50 pounds in performing duties in the office and in traveling to off-site meetings. 
  • Climbs stairs, reaches outward, stands, squats, kneels, bends, and walks in performing duties in the office and in traveling to off-site meetings.

EMOTIONAL DEMANDS OF THIS POSITION
The emotional demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In performing this position, the employee:

  • May be exposed to strong emotions.
  • Must be ready to help de-escalate and defuse crisis situations.
  • May find that client stories and experiences bring up uncomfortable memories or trigger emotional reactions, and must be prepared to seek appropriate self-care.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. All or any portion of this job description is subject to elimination, modification or addition at any time at the discretion of the YWCA.

POSITION DETAILS

Position: YWCA Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Advocate

Classification: Hourly, non-exempt, full time, Monday – Friday

Salary Range: $15 – $18 per hour, depending on qualifications

Benefits*

  • Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage
  • Employee Share of insurance: 10% via payroll deduction
  • Employer-paid life and disability insurance
  • YWCA Retirement Fund: 10% employer-paid with 4% match by fund
    – Employee may contribute up to 10%, after tax, in addition
    – Eligible after working 1,000 hours in two twelve-month periods
  • Two weeks paid vacation per year
  • 8 hours per month sick leave
  • Two paid personal days per year

*This description of benefits is in summary only.  Plan documents are the final determinant of benefit details and eligibility.

HOW TO APPLY

You may apply in the following ways:

Mary Byrd, Director of Client Services
YWCA Walla Walla
213 S. First Avenue
Walla Walla, WA  99362
MByrd@ywcaww.org

This position is open until filled.

It is the policy of the YWCA to consider all applications for employment equally without regard to an applicant’s race, color, religion, disability, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, ethnicity, income, veteran status, marital status or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. The YWCA does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications.  All application materials for posted positions will be retained for one year from the date received.  The purpose of this policy is to ensure that YWCA employment practices are equitable, consistently applied, in compliance with Federal and State laws, and in compliance with any contractual obligations set forth by our funding agencies, so long as those obligations are not superseded by said law. 

You can make a wish come true

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The holidays may look a little different in 2020, but we know that, just like in past years, you’ll make sure that families in the YWCA shelter, in support groups, and in LiNC life skills classes have a beautiful season of peace and joy with the dignity they deserve.

We call the program “Adopt a YWCA family” and it couldn’t happen without you.

How it works

If you would like to help provide a wonderful holiday experience for our women and families, call the YWCA (509.525.2570) or email Jessica Swanson, YWCA LiNC Assistant, at jswanson@ywcaww.org no later than November 20.

Jessica will ask about your donation preferences and then match you with a family to shop for. How much to spend is up to you, but based on past years, she suggests up to $75 per person.

Safety matters

“Due to COVID, we are encouraging donors to shop online or to use curbside pickup,” said Mary Byrd, Director of Client Services. “If shopping online, you can have packages shipped to: YWCA Walla Walla c/o family ID number, 213 S. First Ave., Walla Walla.”

“Gift cards are another good way to limit time in a store,” said Jessica. “And as a bonus, they give a parent the joy of choosing their children’s gifts themselves.”

Donors can purchase physical or electronic gift cards (electronic ones can be emailed). And cards can be specific to a store or brand or simply be prepaid Visa cards. If ordering online, donors should order early enough for gifts to arrive by December 15.

Stocking stuffers

Smaller, more general donations are also very welcome. Items that make great stocking stuffers include notebooks, gum or candy, toiletry bags, coloring books and gel pens, headphones, warm socks, and card games.

The deadline to deliver gifts to the YWCA office is December 15. In the interest of safety, you are welcome to buzz the front desk. Then, leave your gifts or gift cards right outside the front doors anytime during office hours, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekdays. Make sure to leave your name and address so we can send you a receipt.

YWCA 21 Day Racial Equity & Social Justice Challenge 2020

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The 21 Day Challenge is an exciting opportunity to dive deep into racial equity and social justice. Participants will receive curated articles, podcasts, activities and more right in their inbox. Emails will begin going out Monday, Aug. 3, and continue (Monday –Friday) through Aug. 31.

Taking part in an activity like this helps participants discover how racial inequity and social injustice affect our community and identify ways to dismantle racism and other forms of discrimination.

“YWCA Walla Walla is proud to partner with our sister associations to help our valley engage in issues related to racial equity and social justice. We have seen a shift in our nation where more and more of us are wanting to learn, grow, and take action to make a difference in the lives of our family, friends, and neighbors,” said Anne-Marie Zell Schwerin, Executive Director.

Sign up to receive daily emails during the 21 Day Challenge, each with content relating to racial equity and social justice. As you encounter this material, you may feel challenged, empowered, or intrigued. You might even feel uncomfortable, and that’s OK.  These issues are not easy. Most of all, we hope you’ll feel better prepared to talk about race and racial justice in your daily life and in your community..  

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for a confirmation email (check junk or promotions folders if you don’t see it) and let your email program know the message is from an approved sender so your emails will get through. 
 
* indicates required
 



 
My interest:


YWCA’s challenge was inspired by Food Solutions New England. They were the first to adapt an exercise from Dr. Eddie Moore, Jr. and Debby Irving’s book into the interactive 21-Day Racial Equity Challenge. The challenge is designed to create dedicated time and space to build more effective social justice habits and bring awareness to issues of race, power, privilege, and leadership. This program was first adapted by YWCA Cleveland and is now being widely adapted and shared by YWCAs across the United States. We are particularly grateful to YWCA of Central Virginia for their help with acquiring resources.

Previous days’ challenges

08/31/2020 – 21 Day Challenge: Day 21

08/28/2020 – 21 Day Challenge: Day 20

08/27/2020 – 21 Day Challenge: Day 19

08/26/2020 – 21 Day Challenge: Day 18

08/25/2020 – 21 Day Challenge: Day 17

08/24/2020 – 21 Day Challenge: Day 16

08/21/2020 – 21 Day Challenge: Day 15

08/20/2020 – 21 Day Challenge: Day 14

08/19/2020 – 21 Day Challenge: Day 13

08/18/2020 – 21 Day Challenge: Day 12

08/17/2020 – 21 Day Challenge: Day 11

08/14/2020 – 21 Day Challenge: Day 10

08/13/2020 – 21 Day Challenge: Day 9

08/12/2020 – 21 Day Challenge: Day 8

08/11/2020 – 21 Day Challenge: Day 7

08/10//2020 – 21 Day Challenge: Day 6

08/07/2020 – 21 Day Challenge: Day 5

08/06/2020 – 21 Day Challenge: Day 4

08/05/2020 – 21 Day Challenge: Day 3

08/04/2020 – 21 Day Challenge: Day 2

08/03/2020 – Welcome to the 21 Day Challenge! Today is Day 1

Please note: Occasionally a link will take you to a site like YouTube, where an ad will start to play; you can click “Skip ads” to move on to the intended content. Other sites may display pop-ups soliciting donations. These generally have an “X” in the upper-right corner that you can close to continue to the content. Also, we made an effort to avoid linking to resources that require a subscription to view.

Any ads or opinions you encounter are not necessarily endorsed by YWCA Walla Walla.

You can still watch YWCA Virtual Luncheon 2020

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What do you do when a coronavirus pandemic forces you to postpone a luncheon that typically brings in more than $150,000 of your fundraising budget? How can you continue to provide essential domestic violence and sexual assault services to your community?

1. One answer is that you get by with a little (make that a LOT of) help from your friends!

Our sponsors (shown below and during the luncheon recording) and our loyal donors have rallied to help YWCA weather the virus. They’ve sent notes of encouragement and cards with checks tucked inside.

2. The other answer is that you take your efforts and your mission to the virtual realm. So on May 6, we had an online (Bring Your Own Lunch) luncheon!

The event, which you can view above, includes a message from one of our most loyal donors, a tour of the YWCA Domestic Violence Women’s shelter, updates from the Living in New Circumstances (LiNC) life skills program and a meeting with Mariposa leaders, who talk about their work with fifth-grade girls.

To add a little fun, we had a drawing for a YWCA Swag Bag, a post-quarantine lunch at the YWCA for the winner and a friend, and a 30-pack of Kirkland toilet paper, which you may notice Anne-Marie and Carol avoid mentioning by name on video.

More than 145 supporters attended the virtual luncheon LIVE, but it’s not too late to find out more about what your past support has made possible and what YWCA Walla Walla is planning for the future.

Also, we still plan to honor our commitment to the Marcus Whitman Hotel & Conference Center and its currently furloughed employees with an in-person 2020 YWCA Leadership Luncheon on Wednesday, Nov. 6. If gathering is safe by then, we look forward to seeing you to celebrate our community’s resilience!

YWCA Leadership Circle Members